What Are Common Causes Of Truck Accidents In Colorado?

Bell & Pollock has years of experience working with people injured in a wide range of truck accidents. We have handled cases involving a variety of different factors, from alcohol and drugs to fatigued drivers and trucking companies that put unsafe vehicles on the road. We are thoroughly familiar with all of the common causes of truck accidents. Companies are increasingly putting a priority on getting products to market, rather than safety or the public.

Large commercial trucks are a potentially dangerous presence on the roads and highways. Accidents often involve significant damage and catastrophic injuries. When we represent injury victims or families who lost loved ones in truck accidents, we bring experience and in-depth knowledge of the state and federal laws that govern the trucking industry in the United States. We take the time to learn about your truck accident and develop a strategy that addresses your specific legal needs. This detailed approach enables us to build strong, successful cases, one client at a time. Your truck accident matters here.

While the trucking company’s insurance company might argue that the driver of the smaller passenger vehicle was at fault, we know that in most cases trucking accidents are the result of truck driver error.

Distractions

Distracted driving is a growing problem in Colorado and throughout the country. When someone driving an 80,000 pound big rig is distracted, there is frighteningly high risk of a catastrophic truck accident. At Bell & Pollock, our attorneys know how dangerous accidents caused by distracted truck drivers can be in Colorado. We know because we have worked with so many families dealing with the aftermath of a serious truck accident. That’s why we work so hard to get injury victims a settlement or verdict for their accident.

Distracted driving is among the common causes of truck accidents in Colorado. In our modern age, there are many different ways drivers can become distracted on the road. Texting while driving is against the law nationwide for commercial truckers. A recent federal law prohibits drivers from using any kind of handheld cellphone or texting device while operating a commercial motor vehicle, even when stopped in traffic. Truck drivers caught breaking this law can face a steep fine.

Other examples of distracted truck driving include:

  • Operating a GPS device in a truck
  • Talking to a trucking company dispatcher
  • Eating while driving
  • Watching television while driving
  • Operating MP3 players and radios
  • Smoking, eating or drinking
  • Grooming
  • Talking to passengers

All it takes is one split second for a truck driver to look away from the road to cause a serious truck accident. Getting injury victims the money they rightfully deserve after an 18-wheeler accident or tractor-trailer accident is often not easy. That’s why some law firms avoid taking on such difficult cases. We see things differently. We believe the people facing the toughest legal challenges deserve our help even more. We have successfully won countless cases over the years, and we’re proud to put our knowledge and experience to work for you.

Speeding

Truck drivers often face pressure to get to their destination as fast as possible. That’s one of the reasons why you might notice truck drivers exceeding the speed limit on busy roads and highways like I-70 in Colorado. Speeding truckers might be trying to “do their job,” but they are putting everyone on the road at risk.

Unfortunately, truck drivers who travel too fast for road or weather conditions can serious truck accidents. Speeding is among the most common causes of truck accidents in Colorado. And when these accidents happen, the injuries can be severe or even fatal, often resulting in a wrongful death lawsuit in Colorado. That’s why it’s important you have a Colorado truck accident attorney on your side, looking out for your best interests.

Speeding by a truck driver can result in the following potentially catastrophic situations:

  • Inability to stop in time to avoid a crash
  • Loss of control of the truck, which might leave the road
  • Jackknifing
  • Hydroplaning on slick roads
  • Tipping over after a loss of control

Speeding might seem harmless compared to other driving behavior such as drunk driving or texting while driving. Professional truck drivers, however, are trained to drive a truck safely and are legally responsible to obey the rules of the road. Commercial drivers are held to higher standards than drivers of small passenger vehicles.

When truck drivers break the law or federal regulations, they need to be held responsible. They also are agents of the trucking company that owns the truck and hired them. We will hold that trucking company accountable if you or a loved one was injured or a loved one was killed in an accident.

Truck Driver Fatigue

Falling asleep at the wheel poses a serious threat to the driver and everyone else on the road. When truck drivers fall asleep, the consequences can be particularly disastrous. It’s not hard to imagine a horrific crash scene involving a truck driver who fell asleep while operating an 80,000 pound 18-wheeler. Our fatigued truck driver accident attorneys in Denver urge anyone, especially truck drivers, to pull over and rest if they are feeling too tired.

Unfortunately, tired truck drivers choose to keep driving, sometimes because they face pressure to meet deadlines. In the case of truck drivers, federal laws bar drivers from staying on the road too long without taking a break. According to these so-called “Hours of Service” rules, commercial truck drivers must take mandatory breaks and can only operate a truck for a limited amount of time each day. These laws exist to prevent against truck driver fatigue accidents, yet these accidents continue to take place far too often, making them one of the most common causes of truck accidents in Colorado.

Throughout Colorado, victims of truck accidents caused by tired truckers rely on Bell & Pollock to make things right. Based in the Denver suburb of Greenwood Village and serving people statewide, the Colorado tractor-trailer accident lawyers at Bell & Pollock have years of experience handling such difficult cases. The truck driver might deny falling asleep. We know how to thoroughly investigate such accidents and hold truck companies accountable. We can pore over every detail of the accident and determine if there were any Hours of Service violations. We will not rest until justice is served.

Have you or a loved one been injured in an accident? Call us for a free case evaluation.

(303) 795-5900

Impairments

Truck accidents caused by impaired truck drivers are among the most common causes of truck accidents in Colorado. It’s not just drinking and driving that’s the problem. In some cases, truck drivers take different drugs in order to stay more awake and alert when they’re driving across the country.

Truck drivers who take such risks often run out of luck and eventually cause an accident. And when they do, the consequences are often catastrophic. A fully-loaded tractor-trailer can weigh more than 80,000 pounds. When such large, often speeding vehicles slam into a normal car or motorcycle, the injuries are often serious or fatal.

The experienced legal team at Bell & Pollock are skilled at handling difficult truck accident cases. We will find out if the driver or the trucking company has a history of violating the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations. We also can find out if the driver had any previous citations, such as:

  • Abusing drugs or alcohol
  • Reckless driving
  • Distracted driving
  • Speeding
  • Driving with improperly maintained equipment

Trucking companies and insurance companies will often do everything they can to avoid paying injury victims. That’s why it’s critical that you have an experienced truck accident lawyer in Colorado to fight for your rights and make sure you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve. At Bell & Pollock, we’re proud of the work we do, and we would be honored to meet with you and discuss the details of your case.

Overloaded truck

Overloaded trucks in Colorado violate numerous state and federal regulations. They’re also extremely unsafe to operate, according to the attorneys at Bell & Pollock. When overloaded trucks collide with other vehicles, all that additional weight often translates into more serious tractor-trailer accidents involving catastrophic injuries or even wrongful death. That’s why accidents caused by overloaded trucks are among the most common causes of truck accidents in Colorado.

Laws exist limiting the amount of weight trucks can carry in an effort to prevent truck accidents. In Colorado, the weight limit for tractor trailers is 80,000 pounds for interstate highways; 85,000 pounds for non-interstate highways, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation. These laws were created to protect everyone on the road. Some of the most common problems associated with overloaded trucks include:

  • Take longer to stop
  • Harder to control around corners.
  • Prone to tire blowouts.
  • Cause roads to collapse.
  • Higher center of gravity, increasing the risk of a rollover.
  • More difficulty steering

Many truck drivers or trucking companies knowingly exceed legal weight limits. Many companies put profits ahead of safety, which can have disastrous consequences. If you or a loved one was injured or a loved one was killed in an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for losses, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Contact us immediately at Bell & Pollock. We know that dealing with trucking companies and truck accidents can be difficult. We can help. We have years of experience negotiating with them and getting results for clients.

Poorly maintained truck

Trucking companies must maintain their trucks in order to keep them safely operating on the road. When they fail to do so, they put everyone on the road in danger of being involved in a serious truck accident. Our attorneys take accidents due to poorly maintained trucks very seriously. We are skilled at the negotiating table, but are ready to argue before a judge and jury if necessary. We can help you file a truck accident lawsuit in Colorado if you believe that’s the best way to get the compensation and closure you need.

Dealing with trucking companies and truck accidents can be very complicated. That’s why it’s critical that you contact us immediately so we can work with you to develop a legal strategy that addresses your specific needs. Accidents involving accusations of poorly maintained trucks can be extremely complicated. We want to get started quickly to help you sort through these issues and make sure you receive the compensation you rightfully deserve.

Some common examples of poor truck maintenance that results in truck accidents include:

  • Faulty brakes
  • Malfunctioning turn indicators
  • Bald tires
  • Defective car parts
  • Broken headlights

What makes these cases even more complicated is the trucking company might point the finger at the truck manufacturer or even you, claiming you did something to cause the truck accident.

Unqualified truck drivers

Trucking companies are required by state and federal law to hire truck drivers with the proper training and licenses. When trucking companies fail to do so, they risk employing a driver who might cause a serious accident. If you or a loved one was injured or your loved one was killed in a truck accident, the trucking company needs to be held accountable.

Trucking companies and truck accidents can be very complicated, but our attorneys at Bell & Pollock know how to handle complex legal matters involving negligent individuals and companies. We urge you to contact us immediately so we can begin investigating your accidents involving an unqualified truck driver

Under federal law, truck drivers must have a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) if they are driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). The federal government defines CMVs as a tractor-trailer (often an 18-wheeler) with an attached trailer weighing more than 10,000 pounds.

There are many other rules and regulations covering trucking companies and truck drivers. These include:

  • Truck companies must conduct a Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) before hiring a CMV driver.
  • An MVR must be conducted every 3 years.
  • Truck drivers must sign a release form allowing an employer to run an MVR.
  • Failure to allow a company to run an MVR should prohibit a truck driver from operating a commercial vehicle.
  • Pass medical exam

Proving that a driver is not qualified to operate a truck can be difficult, especially if the trucking company refuses to provide documentation of the truck driver’s qualifications and driving record.

One of the most important things we look for after a truck accident is history of reckless driving by truck drivers. This includes previous truck accidents and positive drug or alcohol tests. If a trucking company knowingly hired a truck driver with a history of drinking and driving, we can fight on your behalf to hold the trucking company responsible.

Contact Us

Call a trusted attorney at Bell & Pollock, P.C. at (303) 795-5900 to get on the road to recovery now. You can also email our firm via the contact firm on this page.

As proud champions of the people, our lawyers are ready to answer your questions, explain the law and your rights, and help you take whatever steps necessary to recover the compensation you’re entitled to. With us in your corner, you can be confident that you have the legal support and representation necessary to successfully resolve your claim.

Don’t delay your recovery for a second longer – and don’t be misguided into thinking that you have to go through the process alone. Our attorneys are here, ready to help – and you won’t have to pay us anything until (or unless) there is a recovery in your case.

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Case Results

WE KNOW HOW TO WIN

CASE: Client was injured by a drunk driver. As a result of the motor vehicle accident, client was rendered a quadriplegic and needed a life care plan.
Outcome: $9,600,000

CASE: Against Insurance company for failure to pay for property damage after a gas and fire explosion.
Outcome: $1,600,000

CASE: Medical malpractice for failure to diagnose a descending aorta aneurism, resulting in death.
Outcome: $1,300,000

CASE: Neck and back injuries from car accident. Client had ongoing symptoms and needed injections for attempted remediation of pain.
Settled for $485,000

CASE: Client was injured in a 2 vehicle collision. She suffered a traumatic brain injury, concussion and multiple injuries to the neck.
Outcome: $6,000,000

CASE: Client was in her car and was T-Boned by a commercial vehicle. Her cerebral spinal fluid leaked and she suffered a concussion and traumatic brain injury with neck and lumbar (low back) injuries. Her neck injury caused radiating pain, numbness and tingling in her arms.
Outcome: $3,400,000

CASE: Client was driving on a rural road when another car crossed the center line and caused a head-on collision in the snow and ice. Client did physical work for a living. Both knees were injured, along with a neck injury.
Outcome: $2,300,000

CASE: Client was driving on South Parker road when another vehicle rapidly changed lanes and rear-ended the client. That vehicle was cited for careless driving. The collision caused a concussion with traumatic brain Injury. Client missed time from work and had a positive correlation between brain scan and neuropsychological test results.
Outcome: $950,000

CASE: Client was rear ended by a dump truck, was then knocked forward and hit another vehicle. Client had a concussion with traumatic brain injury. Client underwent a brain scan which showed hypoperfusion, correlated with her concussion symptoms. Client suffered neck injuries and injuries to her low back.
Outcome: $650,000

CASE: Client was rear-ended. The mechanism of injury from the forces in the collision caused her neck injury and at the same time, damaged her organs inside her throat. Client had swallowing and choking issues.
Outcome: $1,250,000

CASE: Client was in a motor vehicle accident. Both injections in the neck rendered some temporary relief. The Injections were transforaminal epidural steroid injections. Surgery was recommended on the lumbar (low back). The low back was injured by the forces in the collisions.
Outcome: $933,000

CASE: The client was driving in her car and was rear-ended thereby causing injuries to her lower back and neck. Client also suffered a concussion. Client had to undergo facet injections multiple times, through multiple procedures. Client also had cognitive issues which required cognitive training and therapy.
Outcome: $400,000

CASE: Client was entering a highway from an on ramp and was rear-ended by a commercial van. Client tested positive for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and failed conservative treatment. Client underwent thoracic outlet syndrome surgey, which involved removal of the first rib to attempt to relieve pressure in the thoracic outlet. Client also suffered a back injury.
Outcome: $750,000

CASE: Client was injured by a drunk driver, who crossed the center line of the road. Client underwent multiple surgeries and could not work. Client was late 40s and needed a modified life care plan.
Outcome: $750,000

CASE: Client was rear ended by a tow truck driver who was a diabetic. The diabetic at fault party was a non-compliant diabetic and claimed he had a syncope episode, and was “blacked out”. Client had a preexisting back condition known and the forces from the collision aggravated, or made worse, the preexisting back condition in addition to, causing neck injuries.
Outcome: $350,000

CASE: Client was a passenger in a car where the driver fell asleep on a country road in the early morning hours. The car rolled multiple times. Client had eye injuries, facial injuries and neck and knee injuries.
Outcome: $850,000

CASE: Client was on the job, driving her own car, when she was rear-ended. She suffered a concussion with traumatic brain injury and pursued Workers Compensation Claim.
Outcome: $150,000

CASE: Client slipped and fell on snow and ice in Central City. He suffered back injuries, that did not require injections.
Outcome: $125,000

CASE: Client slipped and fell on snow and ice on a sidewalk in front of a business. She had to have knee surgery and multiple injections in her back.
Outcome: $175,000

CASE: Client was visiting a friend who was renting a house. Client tripped on untreated, dangerous section of deck and injured his back.
Outcome: $150,000

CASE:Client was rear ended and needed fusion spinal surgery. Insurance proceeds were limited.
Outcome: $125,000

CASE:Client was rear-ended and had to have rotator cuff surgery. Insurance proceeds were limited.
Settled for $65,000

CASE:Client was at Denver International Aiport traveling through Denver, slipped and fell and broke her ankle.
Settled for $118,750

CASE:Client was exposed to mold in a multi-family dwelling that was caused by leaking water.
Settled for $125,000

CASE:Motorcycle accident, reconstructive surgery, post-traumatic stress disorder, neurological injuries
Settled for $1,275,000

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